Mom, gang members busted on meth charges

A member of the Crips street gang and a Linda woman with a 5-year-old son are the latest suspects arrested for selling methamphetamine in Yuba County, a drug enforcement official said today.

After learning that 33-year-old Denise Lemelle was selling meth from her residence in the 1900 block of Sunrise Avenue in Linda, officers served a search warrant there about 7:10 a.m. this morning and had to force their way in, said Mike Hudson, commander of the Yuba-Sutter Narcotic and Gang Enforcement Team, or NET-5.

About 2 ounces of meth with an estimated street value of $5,000, a gram scale and a meth pipe were found inside the home. Arrested along with Lemelle was 25-year-old Elizabeth Borja, a member of the Norteños gang, said Hudson.

Yuba County Child Protective Services took custody of Lemelle's son, he said.

Lemelle was arrested on suspicion of maintaining a place for drug sales, possession of drug paraphernalia and child endangerment. Borja is expected to face charges of possession of meth for sale and paraphernalia.

In a separate incident, a two-week investigation into gang and drug activity led to the Yuba County Sheriff's Department SWAT team serving a warrant Aug. 17 at the home of Eugene Tyrone Patterson in the 900 block of Myrna Avenue in Olivehurst. Patterson wasn't home, but officers found a .380 semiautomatic handgun, a .38 caliber handgun, ammunition, meth and paraphernalia, Hudson said.

NET-5 notified area law enforcement agencies, including the Nevada County Sheriff's Department, which arrested Patterson Wednesday night on suspicion of possession of meth and unlawful possession of firearms. He was awaiting extradition to Yuba County.

Patterson has a history of violence, including drive-by shootings, and has served several prison terms. He is a validated member of Crips, said Hudson.